Technical Forum, Prisons, 2016

In March 2016 over 50 prisons officials, researchers and non-governmental organisations met in Lusaka, Zambia, to discuss challenges around HIV prevention in correctional facilities in eastern and southern Africa.The meeting was unique in the diversity of its participants and the fact that it allowed for informal networking and cross–pollination of ideas between national policy-makers, researchers, and non-governmental organisations. Senior correctional facility staff from seven countries in the region attended and participated actively.

Key issues and themes relating to HIV prevention in prisons were discussed including:

The role and importance of leadership, civil society and researchers

Financing for HIV prevention

Strategies to enhance overall prevention efforts

Systems, processes and evidence requirements to roll out treatment as prevention (TasP)

The role of the media in contributing to a supportive environment

Stigma and negative attitudes to prisoners and to HIV

In conclusion, EHPSA undertook to profile and disseminate promising practices in relation to leadership, advocacy and research on HIV prevention in correctional facilities. Participants were invited to document their innovations and share them with EHPSA and others.